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Why Is There a Bump on My Dog’s Face? (8 Causes & Treatment)

Bumps on dogs’ faces are moles or skin tags (which are normal) or caused by medical conditions such as acne, warts, or tumors. Don’t panic when you see a bump on your dog’s face, as tumors are rare. Always contact the vet.

If you’re petting your dog and suddenly feel a bump, don’t worry. They are most often simple moles, skin tags, skin infections, or tumors.

While they are often harmless, bumps can also be cancerous, which is why it’s important to contact the vet.

In this article, you will learn why bumps on dogs’ faces appear, what they are, what you can do, and more.

Why Does My Dog Have a Bump on Its Face?

Bumps on dogs’ faces appear for many reasons, including normal moles and skin tags, or bacterial and viral causes. In rare cases, bumps on dogs’ faces can be benign or malignant tumors.

So, you have found one or more bumps on your dog’s face, and are wondering what it is.

Here are the possibilities:

  1. Moles
  2. Pimples (acne)
  3. Abscess
  4. Sebaceous cyst
  5. Warts
  6. Skin tags
  7. Benign tumors
  8. Malignant tumors

There are slight differences between them all, so look for the following:

  • Shapes
  • Sizes
  • Color
  • Smooth or irregular surface
  • Soft or hard
  • Movable or immovable

They can appear anywhere on the face, but the most common place is in and around the mouth.

Do not panic if you find a bump on your dog’s face, as they are rarely harmful. Instead, contact the vet.

1. Moles on Dogs’ Faces

Why Does My Dog Have a Bump on Its Face

Moles on dogs are not uncommon, but they are also not as common in dogs as they are in humans. Most moles are harmless, but there are cases where they represent severe conditions.

Harmless moles on the face are not surrounded by inflammation and don’t hurt unless scratched. They are flat or raised and darker than the skin color.

Cancerous moles have different textures and shapes. Dangerous moles are usually irregular, stretched, itchy, painful, and surrounded by inflammation.[1]

It is best to contact the vet as they can tell the difference between a harmless mole and a dangerous one.

Why Do Dogs Have Moles on Their Faces?

Innate moles (the hairy ones found under the chin) are not actually moles but vibrissae. They do not pose a health threat or medical issue.

The vibrissae help dogs pick up information about the environment. They are similar to cats’ whiskers, part of a tactile sensory organ in the face area:[2]

  • Long and stiff tactile hairs
  • Specialized hair follicle, sensitively innervated

Dog Breeds With Moles on Their Face

All dog breeds have moles on their face (vibrissae), but it is more prominent In some breeds:[3]

  • Fox terrier
  • Coton de Tuléar
  • Lhasa apso
  • Maremma sheepdog
  • Soft-coated Wheaten terrier
  • Pekingese
  • Bichon Maltese
  • Bearded Collie
  • Affenpinscher dog (Monkey terrier)
  • Pomsky dog
  • Border Collie
  • Long-haired Collie
  • Russian black terrier
  • Pyrenean shepherd
  • Airedale terrier and many others

2. Pimples (Acne) on Dogs’ Faces

Pimples on Dogs Face

Acne often occurs in young dogs and short-haired breeds. It is a medical condition where the hair follicles become inflamed and infected.

Several factors lead to the appearance of acne in dogs:[4]

  • Hormonal status
  • Breed
  • Hygiene conditions
  • Skin trauma
  • Environmental allergens

Apart from the appearance of black or white bumps (pimples) on the face (muzzle, chin, and lips), acne is also accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • Local inflammation
  • Pain
  • Wounds and scars

Treatment of acne in dogs consists mainly of applying local benzoyl peroxide and proper care.

Is It Ok to Pop My Dog’s Pimples?

No, it is not ok to pop your dog’s pimples. Although popping a pimple isn’t life-threatening, it can lead to several complications:

  • Spreading the infection.
  • Clogging the sebaceous glands.
  • Traumatizing the skin and causing scars.

3. Abscess on Dogs’ Faces

Abscess on Dogs’ Faces
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An abscess is a collection of pus. It is painful and often caused by a bacterial infection. Abscesses can form anywhere on or in the body.

Skin abscesses are visible or felt deep in the skin. Abscesses on the face occur due to insect bites or traumas that penetrate the skin and create an entry gate for bacteria.

In terms of treatment, small abscesses shrink and resorb on their own. For large abscesses, the vet can prescribe an oral antibiotic treatment, drainage, and cleaning of the pus.

Related: Lumps & Bumps on Dogs

4. Sebaceous Cyst on Dogs’ Faces

Sebaceous Cyst
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Sebaceous cysts appear when the sebaceous glands become clogged with dirt, acne, scratching, or trauma. When the sebaceous gland duct gets clogged, sebum accumulates inside it, and the cyst develops.

Some breeds have a greater genetic predisposition to cysts than others:

  • Shih Tzu
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Boxer
  • Basset Hound
  • Schnauzer

Hairless breeds such as Chinese Crested and Xoloitzcuintli can develop multiple cysts as the lack of protection increases the risk of sebaceous cysts.

Sebaceous cysts can become infected and accumulate pus. Depending on the severity, the following treatments are recommended for this condition:[5]

  • Drainage
  • Surgical removal (the most effective type of treatment)
  • Local ointments
  • Underlying cause treatment

5. Warts on Dogs’ Faces

Warts on Dogs’ Faces
Image Source

Warts are caused by a papillomavirus, which is why they are also called papillomas. This virus has an incubation period of 1-2 months and can live a long time in the environment.

Although warts are generally harmless and disappear by themselves within a few months, there are cases of harmful warts. These develop on the oral mucosa and esophagus, causing eating problems.

Papillomatosis is contagious and is transmitted to other dogs through direct contact or contaminated objects. If your dog has papillomatosis, do not let it have contact with healthy dogs and vice versa.

This disease is characterized by the appearance of pedicled, cauliflower-like bumps of different colors and sizes. Warts can appear anywhere on the body but most often appear on the face, especially in the mouth area.

Warts can be removed surgically if they do not disappear by themselves in a few months. This is recommended if they cause discomfort and pain.

6. Skin Tags on Dogs’ Faces

Skin tags generally occur in old dogs and are small, noncancerous growths that appear mainly due to friction. They rarely occur on dogs’ faces, but they can be found around the eyes.

They are not harmful, and treatment is cosmetic.

7. Benign Tumors on Dogs’ Faces

Benign Tumors on Dogs’ Faces
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Bumps on dogs’ faces can be benign tumors, though these are rare compared to acne, moles, or warts.

Benign skin tumors are divided into four categories:

  • Hemangiomas
  • Mastocytomas
  • Melanomas
  • Histiocytomas

The color of tumors varies from pink to black, and they have different sizes and shapes. They are generally soft and mobile and do not affect the surrounding tissues.

Old dogs are more prone to develop tumors on the face, but there are cases when they appear in dogs under three years old.

Treatment consists of the surgical removal of the tumor. Benign tumors rarely reoccur.

8. Malignant Tumors on Dogs’ Faces

Malignant or cancerous tumors are often life-threatening. They can spread at a distance in the organism, causing damage to organs.

There are three types of skin cancer in dogs:

  • Hemangiosarcoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Malignant melanoma

The color of tumors varies from pink to black, like benign tumors. The differences lie in their appearance and consistency. Cancerous tumors are usually hard, immovable, and have an irregular surface. They often ulcerate and cause bleeding and pain.

Treatment generally consists of the removal of the tumor and the administration of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Cancerous tumors reoccur often.

About Iulia Mihai (DVM)

Dr. Iulia is a certified veterinarian with more than 10 years of experience in the field. With extensive knowledge of diet, care, and medication, she helps Misfit Animals provide readers with accurate knowledge on technical topics.

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